There were a couple reasons we chose to stop here in Titusville on our way back. First, this was about as far north as we could get in two long days on the ICW. Second, we’ve been very closely watching the progress of a tropical disturbance in the Caribbean which today became Sub-Tropical Storm “Alberto”.  Earlier in the week, most forecast models had this storm heading up the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. However, one model put the storm much further east,  passing directly over North Palm Beach. While we were in a very protected marina there, we didn’t want to be in the bull’s eye if we could help it. We knew Titusville had a snug marina and, because of the lock at Port Canaveral, there is no lunar tide here. While it now looks like Alberto will in fact remain in the Gulf of Mexico, its wind and rain effects will still be felt here starting tonight and likely keep us going anywhere until at least Monday. We might have been able to get even further north had we traveled today, but we couldn’t have made it all the way to St. Augustine and travel would not be possible Saturday and Sunday because of the storm. Where we are now is more secure to wait out the storm than where we would’ve had to stop tonight (and for the following two days) had we gone.

It was nice to wake up to a sunny morning, although lots of large purple-edged clouds began to rise in the sky before we’d even finished coffee. There was a good bit of activity in the marina quite early. Small fishing boats came and went from a nearby boat ramp, and there were lots of dogs and walkers in the park.

We walked into town, and almost immediately found the Titusville Museum and Historical Society where we were greeted warmly by three docents. There was a lot of spicy information about the founder of Titusville, one Colonel Henry Titus, who was a bit of a rogue and an adventurer, perhaps at times a mercenary/pirate, and maybe not even a Colonel! He did, however, appear dedicated to the growth and prosperity of the town. The museum was lovely and homey and we enjoyed it very much.

After the history museum we walked a bit to gauge the extent of the town. The featured picture today is of a beautiful mural painted on the side of an old building as you enter town. Further in to the middle of town were the American Space Museum, and the Titusville Playhouse. The Playhouse is in a historic building constructed in 1905. It has been once again functional for the last 53 years and it is in the 4th year of a remodeling effort.

We decided to have lunch in the local diner first,  investigate the possibility of tickets in the Playhouse next, and then tour the Space Museum. The diner was just about packed (always a good sign) but there was a small table at the back for us. Food was great as was the ice tea. Paula had liver and onions, one of her favorites that is not often available, and Tommy had a turkey pannini accompanied by sweet potato fries.

We stopped at the Playhouse and picked out good seats for tonight’s musical “Fun House.” We were happy to learn that soft drinks and pie from a local shop are on offer in the lobby before performance time.

The American Space Museum was surprisingly large, and chock-full of artifacts. It was also guided by a docent, who gave us an enthusiastic history of the inception of the space program in the US, the American/Soviet Space Race, up until the present. They had personal items from many astronauts, as well as actual pieces of spacecraft and equipment as well as some of the control panels and desks from Mission Control. Very informative and fun.

By this time it was after 3pm, so we walked home. It had rained while we were inside and the breeze was stiffening noticeably. Upon checking the forecast, we see that Sub-Tropical Storm Alberto and it’s development is now being tracked by the National Hurricane Center. Glad we’re in port.

Since we are going to the show tonight, (possibly with pie) Paula plans a lighter dinner of left-over corned-beef sandwiches, taboule, and fruit.